CALVIN “BRYCE” THOELKE
Longtime Britton businessman, Bryce Thoelke, passed away peacefully Monday, February 14, 2022 at Marshall County Memorial Hospital in Britton, with his family at his side. He was 96 years of age.
At Bryce’s request, there will be no public service at this time. Later this spring, his cremains will be interred with full military honors in the White Cemetery of White, SD.
Calvin Bryce Thoelke was born June 8, 1925 in Brookings, SD to John and Esther Minnie (King) Thoelke of White, SD. He grew up and attended school there, graduating from White High School in 1943. Shortly after completing his education, Bryce joined the U. S. Army. He spent the next two and a half years serving his country. During that time, he saw action on the front in France, and after being wounded was medically discharged in 1945.
On June 15, 1948 Bryce was united in marriage with Marjorie Ellen Stamp in White. They made their home there for a few years where Bryce and his brother took over the day-to-day operation of their father’s mercantile store. Over the next several years, Bryce and Marge lived and owned stores in a number of different Minnesota towns, including Olivia, Willmar and Paynesville. In 1972 they moved to Britton, SD where they owned and operated Thoelke’s Department Store, and later Thoelke’s Department and Shoe Store. In 1987, they sold the store and soon after, Bryce took a part time position as the Marshall County Veterans Service Officer. He served in that position for the next 17 years.
Bryce was a member of the Britton United Methodist Church and served within a number of offices and capacities there. He was extremely proud of his military service as evidenced by his membership in Britton Post #80 of the American Legion and Marshall Post #3507 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also awarded the Bronze Star for his service during World War II. He was a longtime member of the Britton Lions Club and was a member and past president of the Britton Chamber of Commerce. Along with other civic minded people, Bryce was instrumental in forming the Britton Development Corporation, which was the impetus in getting Horton, Inc. to consider Britton for one of their manufacturing plants.
In his spare time, Bryce was an avid hunter. He greatly enjoyed hunting waterfowl and upland game birds. Along with his wife, Marge, they were faithful and loyal fans of Britton High School sports, and especially enjoyed following the basketball teams. He loved to spend time on his John Deere lawn tractor. Perhaps above all else, it will be Bryce’s long and steadfast loyalty to his 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. coffee group that will be remembered by those who knew him!
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 73 years, Marge Thoelke of Britton; his children: Kent (Deb) Thoelke of Britton; Pamela (Randal) Muth of Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia; Greg (Terry) Thoelke of Britton; six grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a granddaughter, April; his sister, Gloria Abrahamson and brother, King Thoelke.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.pricefuneralchapel.net. Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Marge Thoelke – 1308 1st Street – Britton, SD 57430.